# Humpbacked Flies (*Phoridae*)

Humpbacked flies are tiny insects that have a unique humped back. They are often found in damp places and can be seen buzzing around flowers and decaying plants.

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Wetlands

![Humpbacked Flies](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Phorid_fly2.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Phorid_fly2.jpg)

## Appearance

The Humpbacked Flies has a distinctive rounded, hump-shaped thorax, which gives them their name. They are tiny, typically dark-bodied, with small heads and short antennae. Their clear wings often appear somewhat iridescent under light.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Diptera
- **Family:** Phoridae

## Interesting facts

- A female can lay hundreds of eggs in her short lifetime!
- Many species can run much faster than they fly!
- Some Phorid fly larvae can live inside bee brains!
- They are often called 'coffin flies' because they can be found deep in buried coffins!

## Special abilities

- **Ant Decapitator:** Humpbacked Flies can lay eggs on ants, and their larvae grow inside, eventually causing the ant's head to fall off.
- **Underground Explorer:** Humpbacked Flies can burrow several feet into soil to reach hidden food sources, like buried decaying animals.
- **Lightning Dodger:** Humpbacked Flies can dart and change direction incredibly fast, helping them escape predators with surprising agility.

## Measurements & details

- **Size:** 1-5 mm
- **Lifespan:** 7-40 days
- **Leg Count:** 6

## Diet & Feeding

They eat decaying plants, fungi, and sometimes become parasites inside other insects or snails.

- **Age differences:** Larvae are often parasitic or feed on decaying matter, while adults may sip nectar or honeydew.
- **Primary Foods:** Decaying plants, Mushrooms, Insect larvae, Snails, Dead animals
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Parasitizes:** [Red Imported Fire Ant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-imported-fire-ant) (*Solenopsis invicta*) — Larvae develop inside and eventually behead the host ant.
- **Eats:** [Button Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/button-mushroom) (*Agaricus bisporus*) — Many Phorid fly larvae feed on decaying fungi.
- **Eaten by:** [Garden Spider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/garden-spider) (*Araneus diadematus*) — Common garden spiders are predators of small flying insects.
- **Parasitizes:** European Honey Bee (*Apis mellifera*) — Some species lay eggs on honey bees, with larvae developing inside.

## Traits

- [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
- [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
- [Decomposer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/decomposer): Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
- [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wetland): This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.
- [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
- [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
- [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
- [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Humpbacked flies are harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Humpbacked Flies?

Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How big is Humpbacked Flies?

1-5 mm

### How long does Humpbacked Flies live?

7-40 days

### What does Humpbacked Flies eat?

They eat decaying plants, fungi, and sometimes become parasites inside other insects or snails.

### Where is Humpbacked Flies usually found?

Wetlands

### How does Humpbacked Flies hunt?

Foraging

### How many legs does Humpbacked Flies have?

6

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Humpbacked Flies: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/humpbacked-flies)